Concept of spinsonde for multi-cycle measurement of vertical wind profile of tropical cyclones

TL;DR

This paper introduces the spinsonde, a chute-free device for multi-cycle vertical wind profile measurement in tropical cyclones, offering improved efficiency and payload capacity over traditional dropsondes.

Contribution

The paper proposes a novel chute-free spinsonde technique enabling multiple wind profile measurements within a single flight, reducing weight and increasing payload capacity.

Findings

GPS ground speed correlates with wind speeds within +/-5 km/h

Maximum cruising speed of the spinsonde UAV is 372 km/h

Simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of the spinsonde technique

Abstract

Tropical cyclones and cyclogenesis are active areas of research. Chute-operated dropsondes jointly developed by NASA and NCAR are capable of acquiring high resolution vertical wind profile of tropical cyclones. This paper proposes a chute-free vertical retardation technique (termed as spinsonde) that can accurately measure vertical wind profile. Unlike the expendable dropsondes, the spinsonde allows multi-cycle measurement to be performed within a single flight. Proof of principle is demonstrated using a simulation software and results indicate that the GPS ground speed correlates with the wind speeds to within +/-5 km/h. This technique reduces flying weight and increases payload capacity by eliminating bulky chutes. Maximum cruising speed (Vh) achieved by the spinsonde UAV is 372 km/h.